Desiigner uploaded the song to Soundcloud during December 2015—it quickly amassed more than a million plays. In February 2016, Kanye West incorporated two verses of this track into “Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 2,” for his album The Life of Pablo. He’d announce Desiigner’s signing to G.O.O.D. Music at the February 11th TLOP listening session at Madison Square Garden.

On April 25th, 2016, Billboard released their Hot 100 chart information regarding the week of May 7th’s top 10, with “Panda” becoming No. 1. By doing so, Desiigner broke the 41 week streak of non-Americans holding the No. 1 spot in the Hot 100.

After the tracks release many people started comparing Desiigner’s flow and sound to the one of Future. When Future was asked about the up and coming Brooklyn rapper he responded with, “I never worried about anyone else.”

What is "Panda" about?

Desiigner, inspired by GTA V, trappin', and the BMW X6, wrote a track all about reppin' his own brand. He’s got fat stacks, he’s gunning for a grammy, he’s got ladies crawling all over him wherever he goes, and he’s not afraid of a thing.

This song is about Desiigner’s rise to power in the rap game.

What is the purpose of this song?

Panda fulfills all sorts of ends. A tribute to a kickass car, a warning to all the fake rappers who are fronting, an exclamation of Desiigner’s newfound success. More than anything, it’s a track you’re supposed to bump with.

What does CTD stand for?

What does "Black X6, Phantom" mean?

The BMW X6 Sports vehicle is the primary subject of this song. Whereas the white version, as Desiigner explains, looks like a panda with motley coloration, the black version with tinted out windows looks like a shadow, or a phantom.

Why does it talk about Fanta?

Fanta, or any other soda, is used in lean to add flavor. Most rappers reference Sprite, but in this song, Desiigner uses Fanta.

In the video, who was the person wearing a mask?

In the music video, the mask at the end is worn by Desiigner. It was designed by Kate Clark and is made of real animal hide. But don’t worry — it’s not made of actual panda. Clark told The Creator’s Project she made the mask out of black bear and antelope hide.

For live performances, a mascot-style panda mask is often worn by Desiigner’s long-time friend Marvin Herring (aka Pudgie).

Does Desiigner own an X6?

In fact, no, Desiigner doesn’t own the vehicle which this song alludes to. He was inspired by an encounter with his friend, who had just purchased the $60,000 vehicle, as he told Genius in an interview. Hopefully the track will give him the dough necessary to pick up his own.

Did Menace get to personally meet Kanye?

Menace did meet Kanye, in an interview with Rolling Stone, Menace told the story of how Kanye wanted the Panda beat on The Life of Pablo,

He wanted to put Panda on his album because first of all he was feeling the vibe to the production, and he also wanted to put his new signee Desiigner onto his album.